Additional Info

Dual-Carriageway Ends Ahead – W116 Road Sign

The W116 End of Dual Roadway road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers that a dual roadway is ending ahead and that they are approaching a section where two-way traffic will operate on the same roadway.

The sign warns road users that the separation between the two directions of traffic is coming to an end. Drivers should therefore be prepared for a change from a divided roadway arrangement to a roadway carrying traffic in both directions.

What Does the W116 Road Sign Mean?

W116 means End of Dual Roadway. It warns drivers that two one-way roadways are approaching a junction or transition where a roadway carrying two-way traffic is about to be entered.

W116 is a warning sign and does not by itself impose a speed limit or require drivers to stop. Drivers should continue to observe all applicable speed-limit signs, road markings, regulatory signs and other traffic-control instructions.

What Is the End of a Dual Roadway?

A dual roadway is a road arrangement where traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated into two one-way roadways, normally by a physical median or other form of separation.

At the end of the dual roadway, this separation comes to an end and traffic may continue on a roadway carrying vehicles travelling in both directions.

The change in traffic arrangement is important because drivers need to be prepared for oncoming traffic after leaving the divided section.

Where Are W116 Signs Used?

W116 signs may be used in advance of locations where a dual roadway ends and a two-way roadway is about to be entered.

Potential applications include:

• Dual-carriageway roads
• Freeways and freeway approaches
• Divided urban roads
• Rural divided roads
• Roads approaching a reduction from divided to undivided operation
• Temporary traffic arrangements
• Roadwork areas where traffic is temporarily moved through a median opening
• Road and infrastructure projects

Why Is the W116 Warning Sign Important?

The end of a divided roadway represents an important change in traffic conditions. Drivers who have been travelling on a one-way carriageway may soon encounter vehicles travelling towards them on the same roadway.

Advance warning gives drivers time to recognise the change in road arrangement and prepare for two-way traffic ahead.

This warning can be particularly important where the change occurs at higher speeds, near a median opening or where the transition is not immediately obvious.

W116 and Two-Way Traffic

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifies that W116 and W117 End of Dual Roadway warning signs should be displayed together with the W212 Two-Way Traffic warning sign.

W212 provides the warning that two-way traffic is about to commence, while W116 or W117 warns of the end of the divided roadway arrangement.

W116 and W117

W116 and W117 are both used for the End of Dual Roadway warning. The appropriate version depends on the alignment of the roadway and the way the road arrangement develops ahead.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifies that W116 should be used for particular alignment arrangements, including situations where the roadway being signed continues on the principal alignment of the approach roadway. The actual sign should be selected according to the road geometry.

How Should Drivers Respond to a W116 Sign?

Drivers approaching a W116 sign should be prepared for the transition from separated traffic to two-way traffic.

Drivers should:

• Remain alert to the changing road arrangement.
• Watch for oncoming vehicles.
• Observe the W212 Two-Way Traffic warning where provided.
• Follow lane markings and road markings.
• Comply with the applicable speed limit.
• Maintain a safe position within their lane.
• Be prepared for changes in the roadway ahead.

W116 Sign Placement

The W116 sign should be positioned in advance of the point where the dual roadway ends so that drivers have adequate time to recognise the warning and prepare for the transition to two-way traffic.

The W116 and W117 signs should be used in accordance with the applicable advance-warning distances and adjusted where necessary to account for the geometry of the particular road layout.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that the W116 or W117 sign should be located in advance of the W212 Two-Way Traffic sign by a distance equal to V metres, where V is the operating speed in kilometres per hour. This distance may be adjusted where the road geometry requires special treatment.

Where the median island allows, the manual recommends displaying the End of Dual Roadway signs on both sides of the roadway.

W116 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent W116 warning sign uses the standard South African warning-sign colour scheme:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: White retroreflective

A temporary version, TW116, uses a yellow retroreflective background with the same red retroreflective triangle and black semi-matt symbol.

Temporary W116 signs can be particularly useful during roadworks where traffic is temporarily diverted through a median opening and drivers are moved from a divided roadway arrangement to two-way operation.

W116 During Roadworks

W116 can have an important temporary application during road construction and maintenance projects.

For example, where one carriageway is temporarily closed and traffic is redirected through a median opening, drivers may need advance warning that the normal divided-road arrangement is changing.

The temporary TW116 sign may be appropriate for these situations, together with other temporary traffic-control and warning signs required for the work zone.

W116 Is Not a Road-Narrows Sign

W116 and W117 should not be used simply to indicate that an undivided roadway becomes narrower.

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifically states that these signs should not be used to indicate a road-narrows situation on an undivided roadway. A warning sign appropriate to the actual road condition should be selected instead.

W116 Signs in South Africa

The W116 End of Dual Roadway sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system. Where used on a public road, the sign should be selected, manufactured and installed according to the applicable South African road traffic sign standards and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

The Department of Transport publishes the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual as part of its road-infrastructure standards and guidance.

Who May Need W116 Signs?

W116 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in road construction, maintenance, traffic management and infrastructure development, including:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Road construction contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Freeway and highway contractors
• Infrastructure developers
• Property developers
• Road maintenance teams
• Industrial developments with internal divided roads
• Private road operators

Benefits of Clear End of Dual Roadway Warning Signs

• Warns drivers that the divided roadway is ending.
• Provides advance information about the change to two-way traffic.
• Draws attention to the possibility of oncoming vehicles.
• Gives drivers time to prepare for the new road arrangement.
• Can be used with W212 Two-Way Traffic warning signs.
• Can support temporary traffic management during roadworks.

Frequently Asked Questions About W116 Road Signs

What does W116 mean?

W116 means End of Dual Roadway. It warns drivers that a divided roadway is ending and that a roadway carrying two-way traffic is about to be entered.

Is W116 a warning sign?

Yes. W116 is an advance warning sign that alerts drivers to the end of the dual roadway arrangement.

Does W116 mean that I must stop?

No. W116 is a warning sign and does not itself require drivers to stop. Drivers must follow any applicable regulatory signs, road markings and traffic-control instructions.

What sign is used with W116?

The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual specifies that W116 or W117 should be displayed together with W212 Two-Way Traffic to warn drivers about the change in traffic arrangement.

What is the difference between W116 and W117?

Both are End of Dual Roadway warning signs, but the appropriate version depends on the alignment and geometry of the roadway ahead.

Can W116 be used during roadworks?

Yes. TW116, the temporary version, can be particularly appropriate where roadworks create a temporary crossing through a median island and traffic changes from a divided arrangement to two-way operation.

Is W116 used for a road narrowing?

No. W116 and W117 are specifically for the end of a dual roadway and should not be used simply to indicate that an undivided roadway becomes narrower.

Can Signs4SA supply W116 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W116 End of Dual Roadway signs and other warning, regulatory, traffic-management and road signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order W116 End of Dual Roadway Signs

Need W116 End of Dual Roadway signs for a road project, freeway, highway, roadworks site, residential development, commercial property or traffic-management application?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Dual-carriageway ends ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Dual-carriageway ends ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Dual-carriageway ends ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Dual-carriageway ends ahead

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Dual-carriageway ends ahead sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Dual-carriageway ends ahead signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Dual-carriageway ends ahead sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Dual-carriageway ends ahead signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

Customer Reviews